Faculty of Science UNI INFO 2016 Animal Biology Master s degree program Master of Science: M Sc in Animal Biology Curriculum Within the Basel life science program, the Department of Environmental Sciences and its associates offer a comprehensive Master course for graduates with a background in biology. The course builds upon the local strength in Zoology and Evolutionary Biology in general and in evolutionary genetics and genomics, population biology and evolutionary ecology in particular. Focal area of teaching and research Some key aspects of the Master in Animal Biology are: We offer a broad spectrum of course modules from which you choose your preferred topics. We offer attractive workshops and field courses in Switzerland and abroad. We employ modern laboratory methods, including genomic techniques. In our field work, we integrate population biology across scales. Our teaching focuses on interactive courses which lead to independent thinking and the development of conceptual strength in topics ranging from molecular evolution to population biology and metapopulation ecology. Master students will do a guided, yet independent research project within any of the groups associated with the master program. Current research topics include the evolution of host-parasite interactions, epidemiology, speciation, adaptive radiation, sexual selection, evolution of hermaphrodism and mating systems, evolutionary genomics and the evolution of the immune system. The master thesis will be written in English. Most theses will lead to publication in international peer-reviewed journals. Course structure Master studies The Master of Science degree is a postgraduate degree that requires a successfully completed Bachelor s program. The program awards 90 ECTS credits in total. The Master s degree program Animal Biology is a so called mono-course consisting of only one core subject. Supervised practical work over the course of one year constitutes the core of the studies.
2 Curriculum master studies ECTS Master s degree program Animal Biology Master s thesis 50 Master s examination 10 In-depth professional studies 30 Total 90 One ECTS credit point roughly equals 30 hours of study. Course language Exams Language stays / Internships Combination of subjects The language of instruction is English. The Master s thesis is to be written in English. Student performance is assessed through course accompanying certificates, proof of course participation according to study contracts, a Master's thesis and through a Master's examination. No language stays or internships are required. The degree programs at the Faculty of Science are generally mono-courses with the possible addition of an in-depth subject and an elective subject. The Master s degree program Animal Biology does include an elective subject; however, no other subjects are required. It is possible to study biology in combination with a second subject from the Faculty of Humanities or the sports sciences (see UNI INFO Biologie - ausserfakultäres Fach ). The professional exam for the teaching diploma for secondary schools requires a Master s degree in one or two subjects (i.e. Biology). At least one of the two subjects has to be successfully completed at a Master s level. For the second subject at least 90 ECTS credits have to be awarded in consultation with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and the teaching commission of the respective subject. The mandatory courses in biology are stated in an information sheet which can be obtained from the Studies Secretariat Biology. Start of program Duration of study Further degrees The program is to be started preferably in fall but can also be started in the spring semester. The Master s program lasts three to four semesters. There are no restrictions on the duration of study. Teaching diploma for secondary schools The teaching diploma enables teaching within the general school system at the Secondary Level II and is based on the academic degree at Master s level of a university in one or two subjects. In addition, two semesters of vocational training
3 at the school for teacher education at FHNW have to be completed. The diploma does not require a Master's degree in a second subject; however, it is advisable due to better career options later after graduation. Details are to be found in UNI INFO «Lehrdiplom für Maturitätsschulen». Also see: http://www.fhnw.ch/ph/isek/sekundarstufe 2 Doctorate A Master of Science in Biology qualifies for a doctorate in biochemistry, biophysics, botany, computational biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, structural biology, cell biology or zoology. Transfaculty doctorates are possible in the fields of epidemiology, history of the sciences, medical-biological research and pharmacology. The doctoral studies last three to four years. After the acceptance of the dissertation there follows an oral examination covering the postgraduate studies in the doctoral subject. Career opportunities Admission Application Enrollment After successfully completing their Master s degree the graduates can study further for a doctoral qualification or follow a profession in all fields of life sciences. Biology is a subject that covers many disciplines and the career opportunities include research and related activities in the fields of medicine, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The practical advantages of the subject are found not only in basic research but also, increasingly, in business, society and politics. Numerous jobs are on offer to biology graduates, within the university and also in private industry, government service, schools and organizations, be it as researchers, communicators, teachers or advisors. For these reasons, biology can rightly be considered as this century's key science. Master studies The following degree allows for direct admission to the Master's degree program Animal Biology: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology from the University of Basel. Other Swiss or foreign degrees from an education institution recognized by the University of Basel have to be approved by the examination commission of the Faculty of Science. Binding information under: http://www.unibas.ch/admission Application under http://www.unibas.ch/application; the application fee amounts to CHF 100.-. Application deadline for the fall semester is April 30, for the spring semester the deadline ends November 30. The letter of admission also informs students on the procedure of enrollment. In general, students with a Swiss educational background do not have to be present in person for enrollment.
4 Tuition fees Per semester: Tuition fees (also for examination semesters) CHF 850.- Individual costs of living etc. are not included. Scholarships and student loans Applications have to be sent to the responsible office of the canton in which the parents are eligible to pay tax. Mobility Further information Semesters abroad are possible and supported by scholarship programs. The mobility programs facilitate the stay at other Swiss universities or foreign universities. Further Information: Student Exchange, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, T +41 61 207 30 28, mobility@unibas.ch Guidelines and regulations Ordnung für die Bachelor- und Masterstudiengänge an der Philosophisch- Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Basel vom 05.12.2015 Ordnung für das Masterstudium Biologie der Tiere an der Phil.-Nat. Fakultät der Universität Basel vom 13.02.2007 und Wegleitung vom 24.06.2014 Merkblatt zur Erlangung der fachwissenschaftlichen Anerkennung für das Lehrdiplom für Maturitätsschulen in Biologie (Lehrpersonen für die Sekundarstufe II) von Mai 2016 www.bio.unibas.ch/reglemente/ Information about the University of Basel The course directory can be found under: http://www.unibas.ch/vv A new edition of the Basler Studienführer was published in 2013: www.studienberatung.unibas.ch Website: www.unibas.ch Student Advice Questions regarding the study of Animal Biology can be discussed with the Study Counselor for the Master Program Animal Biology.
5 Contacts Study Counselor for the Master Program Animal Biology Departement Umweltwissenschaften, Evolutionsbiologie Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, T +41 61 207 03 60 www.evolution.unibas.ch e-mail: dieter.ebert@unibas.ch Studies Secretariat Biology Biozentrum, Klingelbergstrasse 70, 4056 Basel, T +41 61 207 14 35 www.bio.unibas.ch e-mail: susan.kaderli@unibas.ch Study Counseling Student Teaching (Head Teacher, Sek II) Departement Umweltwissenschaften, Botanik und Ökologie, Hebelstrasse 1, 4056 Basel, T +41 61 207 23 26 www.duw.unibas.ch e-mail: juerg.oetiker@unibas.ch Dean s Office of the Faculty of Science Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, T +41 61 207 30 53 www.philnat.unibas.ch e-mail: marianne.hess@unibas.ch Office of the Dean of Studies of the Faculty of Science Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, T +41 61 207 30 54 www.philnat.unibas.ch e-mail: studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch Student Administration Office of the University of Basel Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, T +41 61 207 30 23 www.unibas.ch Enquiries: www.unibas.ch/studseksupporten Student Advice Center Basel Steinengraben 5, 4051 Basel, T +41 61 207 29 29/30 www.studienberatung.unibas.ch e-mail: studienberatung@unibas.ch Imprint Editorial: Student Advice Center Basel. Edited by Dr. Nathalie Bucher in collaboration with Prof. Dieter Ebert, Prof. Walter Salzburger and Susan Kaderli, Juni 2016. by Studienberatung Basel / subject to change.